Our Top 5 Winter Jackets | Number Six Selects

by Dray Walk

It’s that time of year again…

It’s getting colder every day at Number Six HQ, which means we can get back to doing what we do best: layering. If you’re anything like us, you’ll know the autumn/winter season is what we all look forward to. From sherpa linings, to heavyweight waxed cotton, and huge pockets all over, it’s the outerwear that’s always got the best stuff to offer.

This season we’ve made sure to bring in the best jackets we could find from right across the world. That came close to being 100 different styles in the end. To make things a bit easier for you, the team here have selected our top 5 highlights from this season’s supply of outerwear. We’ve sorted the heavy stuff, so all you need to do is choose your favourite.

Barbour jackets are the ultimate in classic British heritage wear. They’ve been going since 1894, and know how to appreciate the homegrown things in life. Barbour have now got their outerwear designing down to a tee, with a few key features you can spot from a mile off. Their Sl Bedale has signature Barbour trims and tartans as standard, with a corduroy collar and a couple of well-sized bellow pockets at the hips. This one’s made from a 6oz Sylkoil, 100% waxed cotton outer and pure cotton lining, which means breathability, durability, and quality.

Universal Works is a long-term menswear favourite with us lot at Number Six. Founded in 2008 by David Keyte at his kitchen table, they’ve been going strong for almost a decade, and know a thing or two about decent outerwear. David made a promise to never overdesign the Universal Works pieces, and it’s something he’s stuck to for as long as we can remember. The Top Coat is made from a heavyweight Italian Houndstooth wool and it’s got two angled handwarmer welt pockets. The cleverly designed button-closures at the collar are worth a gander, too.

Ark Air fill the gap for authentic, military-grade clothing that’s made for everyday, casual use. As the civilian branch of Arktis (suppliers to the British Military and Special Forces), Ark Air jackets go through the same design, production, and rigorous testing processes as their older brothers. There’s a huge selection of functional features on the Ridgeback Jacket, giving it super military outerwear vibes, with a contrasting fresh white colourway. Traditionally designed, this jacket has got an adjustable drawstring at the waist, a waterproof lining, fabric button straps, and a wire framed hood.

The team at Carhartt say they’ve been ‘outworking us all for over 150 years’, which tells us that hard work pays off. Producing some of the finest workwear is right at the heart of what they do, and they make it look easy these days. A Carhartt jacket is a real feat of engineering, with solid construction and classic features showing at all times. The Scout Jacket Liner is a lightweight sherpa-fleece made by the real outerwear specialists. It’s even got a selection of pockets so you’ll pack in that extra pair of gloves, as well as the heat.

Back with Universal Works, the people putting functional menswear right at the front of our minds. The N1 Jacket is right on the money for the Number Six selection this season, with classic service-based design elements. From the 5 buttons closing the placket over the zip, to the full fleece lining that shows itself around the collar. This one’s got it all, you should grab it while the going’s good.